The sixth edition of the Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), Nigeria’s largest literary event dedicated to children, will take place on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos. With the theme “Read Your Way,” the festival aims to foster a love for reading among children aged 13 and below, showcasing local authors and creating enriching literary experiences.
The Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF), Nigeria’s pioneering book festival dedicated solely to children, is set to return for its sixth edition on October 26, 2024, at UPBEAT Recreation Center in Lekki, Lagos. As the first and largest Nigerian festival of its kind, ACBF provides a vital platform to promote children’s literacy by showcasing the works of indigenous authors while encouraging young readers to engage with African literature.
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The festival addresses an ongoing challenge in Nigeria, where literacy levels among children are low. According to the National Commission for Mass Literacy, four out of ten primary school children struggle with reading comprehension. A 2023 UNICEF report further highlighted that 75 percent of Nigerian children between the ages of 7 and 14 cannot read simple sentences. The ACBF seeks to reverse this trend by making reading more engaging and accessible for young audiences.
This year’s festival theme, “Read Your Way,” emphasizes literacy as a key to personal and educational growth. Through a variety of engaging activities, the event encourages young participants to develop a lifelong love for reading. According to Mrs. Olubunmi Aboderin Talabi, renowned author and the festival’s convener, the event “showcases literary works created for a diverse audience of children,” adding that it aims to bridge the gap between cultures, enabling children to connect with stories that reflect their environment.
Festival Highlights:
The 2024 edition of ACBF promises a wide array of activities designed to inspire young readers and highlight the importance of storytelling in African cultures. These include:
- Author-Led Book Readings: Popular Nigerian authors will read from their works, engaging children with stories set in familiar environments.
- Book Chats & Exhibitions: Featured stories will spark discussions, and book stalls will showcase works from African authors.
- Writing & Illustration Competitions: The festival will announce the winners of its annual children’s writing and illustration contests.
- Yoruba-Themed Story Time: For the first time, the festival will feature traditional Yoruba stories, providing a cultural experience with storytelling techniques.
- Interactive Sessions: Parents and educators will have access to professional workshops on fostering literacy and supporting children’s creative development.
- Fun-Filled Activities: Attendees can enjoy a chess tournament, sip and paint sessions, and art exhibitions. Young authors will have the opportunity to present their stories through readings and Q&A sessions.
Celebrating Local Authors:
The festival will feature 32 original books by Nigerian authors, including titles like Captain of Aster by Nnenna Ochiche, Iya Alaro Saves The Day by Yewande Amusan and Aduke Gomez, and The Magic Jalabiya by Ayo Oyeku. Many of these stories reflect African traditions, cultures, and experiences, offering young readers relatable characters and settings.
Nnenna Ochiche, author of Captain of Aster, praised the festival’s impact, noting that “it provides a vibrant platform for African authors to reach wider audiences while also promoting children’s learning through play.”
Aduke Gomez, co-author of Iya Alaro Saves The Day, stressed the importance of exposing children to African stories, saying, “It’s great to learn what people do in other places, but it’s equally important for children to understand where they are from.”
Special Guest Appearance:
The festival will also feature a special guest, Atinuke, the acclaimed author of the Anna Hibiscus series and Baby Goes to Market, whose books are bestsellers in the UK and US. Her participation is expected to be a highlight for both young readers and parents.
Impact and Legacy:
Since its inception in 2019, ACBF has attracted over 8,500 attendees and donated more than 4,206 books to children across Nigeria. The festival continues to empower both parents and educators by fostering a culture of reading African stories aloud and encouraging local storytelling.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Venue: UPBEAT Recreation Center, Lekki, Lagos
- Admission: Free for all participants
- Registration: Available online. Follow @akadafestival on social media for updates.
By showcasing diverse African stories, the Akada Children’s Book Festival is helping to nurture a new generation of readers who are proud of their heritage, while promoting literacy across Nigeria.
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